With the presidential primary now out of the way, local candidates are making their bids for the 21st Congressional seat.
Longtime Democratic incumbent Congressman Michael McNulty announced last October he would not seek an 11th term. A who’s who of political names was mentioned as possible candidates following McNulty’s announcement.
The rumored Democratic contenders ranged from Albany and Schenectady mayors Gerald Jennings and Bryan Stratton to Assemblyman Jack McEneny, D-Albany, and Loudonville resident and Colonie Democratic Chairman Phil Steck.
Schenectady County Legislature Majority Leader Susan Savage, D-Niskayuna, has also expressed interest in the job, but said she would not run because her father recently passed away and because of family obligations.
Steck and Democrat Tracy Brooks were the only two candidates to officially launch a campaign for the congressional seat as of Thursday, Feb. 7. Brooks, a Capital District native who has worked for Senator Hillary Clinton, D-NY, and with Congressman McNulty, D-Green Island, says she’s ready for the job.
I recognize the priorities for this district, Brooks said. `I will be working hand-in-hand with state and local leaders.`
Coming fresh off of a New York primary victory for Clinton on Tuesday, Brooks said she has had several discussions with McNulty about her run. Brooks described the Democratic turnout for the primary as `phenomenal` and said the momentum will help the party retain the congressional seat.
Her focus is currently on the primary challenge at hand, however.
`I certainly think there will be other names in the running,` Brooks said, but added she will be ready for the Republican challenger if nominated. `We’re not going to take anything for granted,` she concluded.
On the Republican side, newly elected Guilderland Councilman and previous McNulty challenger Warren Redlich has decided against running for the seat, but former State Comptroller candidate J. Christopher Callaghan has expressed an interest in the job.
Steck has already been on the campaign trail.
`I filed the required paperwork. I’m declared. I think we need to focus on real change in Washington,` Steck said. `I think the Democrats in Congress have failed to stand up to President George Bush.`
In his favor, Steck cited his role in defeating what he described as one of the `strongest, most entrenched and well-funded [Republican] parties in the state` as Colonie’s Democratic chairman.
Colonie Democrats won a majority in town hall for the first time since the 1930s last November.
`My accomplishments on the local level are well documented,` said Steck. `I’m known as one of the hardest working people in politics.`
Steck said he is a big fan of McNulty and added that the congressman has been very supportive of Colonie. Although Steck has made his intentions known to McNulty, he said the 21st Congressional representative has not made an endorsement.
`Mike has told me, as he has told the press, that he will not make an endorsement at this time,` said Steck.
The Colonie Democrat said he is confident that Democrats will keep the congressional seat.
`The largest municipality in this congressional district is Colonie,` Steck said. `If you’re a Republican, you have to do well in Colonie, and I feel comfortable having my base here in Colonie.`
Some Republicans don’t see it this way.
Councilman Redlich of Guilderland said he will not run again for the seat, but he doesn’t count his party out of the race.
`There’s a perception that a Republican can’t win,` Redlich said. `The Republican Party can definitely win with the right candidate.`
Redlich said former Republican Gov. George Pataki `overwhelmingly` won the 21st District in 2002. Redlich unsuccessfully challenged McNulty in 2004 and 2006.
Saying he couldn’t run again because of a hectic work schedule, family obligations, and newly elected town board seat that requires more hours than he anticipated, Redlich pointed to fellow Republican Chris Callaghan of Waterford.
`I’ve met him before, and he’s good,` Redlich said of Callaghan.
Callaghan could not be reached for comment, but in a press release e-mailed by his son, the former Saratoga County Treasurer said he respected McNulty.
`Congressman McNulty has been the very embodiment of integrity and selfless public service throughout his career,` Callaghan said. `While I may disagree with the Congressman on certain matters of public policy, I have joined many of my colleagues in thanking Congressman McNulty for his years of faithful service.`
Callaghan also indicated in the e-mail that he would make an official announcement shortly.
Despite the various candidates making a bid for McNulty’s seat, Steck said he remains confident he is right for the job.
`If I got to Congress I think it would benefit this community,` he said of Colonie. `I have worked my way up with a strong grassroots background.`
The 21st District covers Albany, Schoharie, Schenectady and Montgomery counties, as well as parts of Fulton, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties. Steck’s campaign website is www.philsteck.com, and Brooks’ campaign website is www.traceybrooks.com.
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